Peach tree, &#39;burpeachthirtytwo&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachthirtytwo’, and which produces an attractively colored white fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 3 to August 9 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

The present invention relates to a new, novel, and distinct variety of peach tree, ‘Prunus persica’.

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

‘Burpeachthirtytwo’.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of peach tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of prunus, malus and juglans species. To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Burpeachthirtytwo’ was originated by us, and selected from a population of seedlings growing in our experimental orchards which are located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were derived from a cross using the ‘Burpeachfour’ peach tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,405) and which was used as the seed parent; and an unnamed white-fleshed clingstone peach which was used as the pollen parent. After a period of stratification, the seed was placed in the greenhouse by population, and then field planted for tree establishment, and ultimately to exhibit fruit for evaluation. One white-fleshed peach seedling, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was then designated as ‘N54.112’. This promising seedling was then marked for subsequent observation. After the 2006 fruiting season, the new variety of peach tree was selected for advanced evaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of peach tree was accomplished by budding the new peach tree onto ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (un-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations of these asexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through these succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burpeachthirtytwo’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree, which is considered of medium-large size, and which has a moderately vigorous growth characteristic. This new tree is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, white-fleshed, freestone fruit which have a very good flavor, and eating qualities. This new peach tree has a medium chilling requirement of approximately 650 hours, and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree's canopy. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit of the new peach also appears to have good handling, and shipping qualities. The ‘Burpeachthirtytwo’ peach tree bears fruit which are typically ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately August 3 to August 9 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Snow King’ peach tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 15,496), which is the closest known variety, the new variety of peach tree bears fruit that ripens approximately 1 week earlier. In relative comparison to the unnamed white fleshed peach, which was the pollen parent, the present variety ripens approximately 2 weeks later. When compared to the ‘Burpeachfour’ peach tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,405), which was the seed parent, the current variety bears fruit which is typically ripe for harvesting and shipment 1 week earlier. Further, this new and novel fruit variety produces white-fleshed fruit whereas the seed parent produces yellow-fleshed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are provided, are color photographs of the new peach tree variety. The photograph which is labeled FIG. 1, depicts two whole mature fruit showing the top and bottom characteristics thereof, and one mature fruit bisected transversely, below, the equatorial plane, and which reveals the flesh color, and stone characteristics thereof. The external coloration of the fruit as shown in this particular photograph is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. Additionally, FIG. 1 depicts a typical stone with the flesh removed. The photograph which is labeled FIG. 2, depicts a sample vegetative shoot bearing typical leaves of the new variety. The colors in these photographs are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the fruit depicted in these photographs may, or may not, be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society, Fourth Edition, 2001) and the other descriptions provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 USC § 112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the present variety will in the future display all the botanical, pomological or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observed during the seventh fruiting season, and under the ecological conditions prevailing at the orchards of the assignee which are located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of Calif. All major color code designations are by reference to the R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition, 2001), and which is provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally considered medium-large in its growth             pattern as compared to other common commercial peach             cultivars ripening in the late season of maturity. The tree             of the present variety was pruned to a height of             approximately 270.0 cm. to about 310.0 cm. at commercial             maturity.         -   Width.—Approximately 270.0 cm.         -   Vigor.—Considered moderately vigorous. The present peach             tree variety grew from about 158.0 cm. to about 162.0 cm. in             height during the first growing season. The new variety was             pruned to a height of approximately 150.0 cm. during the             first dormant season, and primary scaffolds were then             selected for the desired tree structure.         -   Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from more than             the desired crop load, to levels higher than desired levels,             when the new variety is grown in a suitable horticultural             zone, and under appropriate commercial nursery conditions.             The fruit set is spaced by thinning to develop the remaining             fruit into the desired market-sized fruit. The number of the             fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions,             and the cultural practices employed.         -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been more than             adequate during the previous years of observation, and             thinning was necessary during the past 5 years on both the             original seedling, and on subsequent asexually reproduced             trees.         -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a vase shape.         -   Density.—Considered moderately dense. It has been discovered             that pruning the branches from the center of the tree to             obtain a resulting vase shape allows for enhanced air             movement and appropriate amounts of sunlight to improve             fruit color, and renewal of fruiting wood throughout the             tree.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA             Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling             requirements of the new tree is approximately 650 hours at a             temperature below 7.0 degrees C. The present variety appears             to be hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 17.5 cm in diameter when measured at             a distance of approximately 15.24 cm. above the soil level.             This measurement was taken at the end of the 7th growing             season.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous             folds of papery scarfskin being present. Since bark             development and coloration change with advancing tree age             this characteristic varies with the tree vigor, age and the             surrounding regional conditions. Therefore, this is not a             dependable descriptor of the new variety.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The             lenticels range in size from approximately 4.0 millimeters             to about 6.0 mm. in width, and between about 1.0 and about             3.0 millimeters in height. The development and size of the             trunk lenticels can be influenced, to some degree, by the             ambient growing conditions, and are not, necessarily, a             dependable characteristic of this variety. As trees of this             variety mature, lenticels are present, but they are             typically covered by increasing layers of cork (mature bark)             and therefore become less apparent.         -   Lenticel color.—Considered a burnt orange, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group N167 A).         -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to             be a dark brown, (RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 B). This bark             description was taken from trees in their seventh leaf which             have ruptured the scarf skin, and which also have developed             bark furrowing which is much more typical of the bark of             older trees. It should be noted that the coloration of the             bark is influenced, and varies, as the smoother, darker             background color approaches the color of the other bark             features such as the lenticels, and the initial fissures             become a more prominent feature of the scarf skin             development. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other peach varieties. The             branches have a diameter of about 6.0 centimeters when             measured during the sixth year after grafting.         -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood             which is several years old.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, and             are usually growing at an angle of about 48 to about 59             degrees when measured from a horizontal plane. This             characteristic can be influenced, to some degree, by tree             vigor, rootstock and other cultural conditions.         -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially             glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.7 cm.         -   Color of mature branches.—Grey brown, (RHS Grey-Brown Group             N199 A).         -   Current seasons shoots.—Color. — The color of new shoot tips             is considered a bright and shiny green (RHS Yellow-Green             Group 144 B). The vegetative shoot color can be             significantly influenced by plant nutrition, irrigation             practices, and exposure to sunlight, and therefore should             not be considered a consistent botanical characteristic of             this new variety. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium-large for the species. Leaf             measurements have been taken from vigorous, upright,             current-season growth, at approximately mid-shoot. It should             be understood that the leaf size is often influenced by             prevailing growing conditions, quality of sunlight, and the             location of the leaf within the tree canopy. For this             reason, leaf sizes can vary significantly based upon the             ambient and other cultural factors listed above, and are not             typically considered a dependable botanical descriptor.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 145.0 to about 160.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 33.0 to about 39.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base-shape.—The leaves generally exhibit equal marginal             symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.         -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.         -   Leaf color.—Upper Leaf Surface — Dark green, approximately             (RHS Green Group N134 A).         -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.         -   Leaf color.—Lower Leaf Surface — Medium green, approximately             (RHS Green Group 141 A).         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color — Considered a light, yellow-green,             approximately (RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 B) in the early             to mid-period of the growing season.         -   Leaf margins.—Gently undulating. Form. — Considered crenate.             Uniformity. — Considered generally uniform.         -   Leaf petioles.—Form. — Considered canaliculated, and having             a more pronounced trough when viewed from the dorsal aspect.             The petiole margin is considered rounded when viewed from             the ventral aspect. Size. — Considered medium-small for the             species. Length. — About 8.0 to about 12.0 mm. Diameter. —             About 1.5 to about 2.5 mm. Color. — Light yellow green,             approximately (RHS Yellow-Green Group 144 B).         -   Leaf glands.—Size. — Considered small for the species;             approximately 1.0 mm. in length; and about 1.0 mm. in             height. Number. — Generally one to two glands per marginal             side are found. Observations of more than two glands per             marginal side are more uncommon. Type. — Glands located at             the base of the leaf are predominantly reniform in shape.             Color. — Considered a medium, light brown, approximately             (RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 D). Typically the coloration of             the glands darkens, and occasionally begins to desiccate             during, and after, the mid-late growing season.         -   Leaf stipules.—Size. — Medium large for this variety.             Number. — Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot             tip. Form. — Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated             marginal edge. Color. — Green, approximately (RHS Green             Group 139 C) when young, but graduating to a brown color,             approximately (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 165 A) with advancing             senescence. The leaf stipules are generally considered to be             early deciduous. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Hardiness.—No winter injury (bud death) has been noted             during the last several years of observation in the central             San Joaquin Valley. The new variety of peach tree has not             been intentionally subjected to drought, cold or heat             stress, and therefore this information is not available.         -   Flower bud.—Size — Variable, and dependent on the state of             maturity. The flower buds as described were observed             approximately 7 days prior to bloom.         -   Flower bud.—Length — Approximately 11.0 millimeters.         -   Flower bud.—Diameter — Approximately 7.0 millimeters.         -   Flower bud surface texture.—Pubescent.         -   Flower bud orientation.—Considered appressed, but appear             less so as the blossoms near opening.         -   Bud scale color.—Approximately (RHS Greyed-Purple 183 A). -   Flowers:     -   -   Date of first bloom.—Observed on Feb. 28, 2012.         -   Blooming time.—Considered average in relative comparison to             other commercial peach cultivars grown in the central San             Joaquin Valley. The date of full bloom was observed on Mar.             6, 2012. The date of full bloom varies slightly with             climatic conditions, and the prevailing cultural practices.         -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 9 days. This particular             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower class.—Considered a perfect flower, complete and             perigynous.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type             flower.         -   Flower size.—Considered medium large. The flower diameter at             full bloom is approximately 39.0 to 42.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Normally two flower buds appear per             node, and occasionally one flower bud per node is observed.         -   Petal size.—Generally considered medium for the species.             Petal Length. — Approximately 17.0 to 19.0 millimeters.             Petal Width. — Approximately 15.0 to 17.0 millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Considered broadly ovate.         -   Petal count.—Nearly always 5.         -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Considered a light pink at the popcorn stage,             (RHS Red-Purple Group 62 B), and darkening with advanced             senescence, and the exposure of the petals sunlight, to a             medium-dark pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group 61 B).         -   Fragrance.—Slight.         -   Petal claw.—Form. — The claw is considered truncate, and is             generally medium-small when compared to other varieties.             Length. — Approximately 5.0 -7.0 millimeters. Width. —             Approximately 6.0 to 8.0 millimeters.         -   Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly             smooth, to moderately undulate, and ruffled, especially             apically.         -   Petal apex.—Generally, the petal apices appear rounded.         -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium-long with an             approximate length of about 3.0 to about 4.0 millimeters.             Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 millimeters. Color. — A medium             brown, approximately (RHS Grey-Brown Group 199 B). Surface.             — Glabrous.         -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — Considered a deep orange             approximately (RHS Greyed-Yellow Group 160 A).         -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A             dull red, approximately (RHS Greyed-Purple Group 183 A).         -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine             pubescent texture. Number. — sepals Size. — Average, and             ovate in form. Sepal Length. — Approximately 5.0 to 7.0             millimeters. Sepal Width. — Approximately 4.0 to 6.0             millimeters. Sepal Shape. — Generally obovate. Sepal Margin.             — Considered smooth and entire. Sepal Color. — A dull red,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 178 A).         -   Anthers.—Generally. — Average in size. Color. — Red to             reddish-orange when viewed dorsally, and prior to             dehiscence, approximately (RHS Greyed-Red Group 179 A).         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color, approximately (RHS Yellow-Orange Group 17 B).         -   Fertility.—Self-fertile.         -   Filaments.—Size. — Approximately 11.0 to 13.0 millimeters in             length. Color. — Considered white to a pinkish-white, (RHS             Red Purple Group 62 D).         -   Pistil.—Number. — Usually one, and only rarely more than             one. Generally. — Large in size. Length. — Approximately             16.0 to about 18.0 millimeters in length, including the             ovary. Color. — Considered a very pale green, approximately             (RHS Yellow-Green Group 151 D). Surface Texture. — The             variety has a long pubescent pistil. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe).         -   Date of first picking.—Approximately Aug. 3, 2012. Date of             last picking. — Aug. 9, 2012. The date of harvest can vary             slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions and the             current cultural practices.         -   Size.—Generally — Considered large, and uniform.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 70.0 to about 92.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 70.0 to about 85.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Approximately 240.0 grams. This             characteristic is quite dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of the new variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally — Considered globose. The fruit is             generally uniform in symmetry.         -   Fruit suture.—No stitching has been observed along the             suture line.         -   Suture.—Color — Generally, the fruit appears blushed to the             same degree as the skin, approximately (RHS Red Group 45 B).         -   Ventral surface.—Form — Quite even, and uniform in             appearance, when it is viewed from the lateral, sutural             plane.         -   Apex.—Shape — Rounded to slightly retuse.         -   Base.—Shape — Generally smooth.         -   Stem cavity.—Generally — It extends in a rounded circular             form which is generally considered uniform. The average             depth of the stem cavity is about 9.0-11.0 mm. The average             width of the stem cavity is about 20.0 mm.         -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and             tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Short, fine and             pubescent. The pubescence is moderately abundant. Taste. —             Non-astringent. Tendency to crack. — Not observed in the             previous years of observation and evaluation.         -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — Generally speaking, a red             blush exists on a majority of the skin of the fruit             approximately (RHS Red Group 45 B), and is more typically             present on the portions of the fruit facing the sunlight.             The blush of the fruit typically covers approximately             55%-70% of the fruit skin surface. The percentage of the             blush on the fruit skin surface can vary, and is generally             dependent upon the fruit's exposure to direct sunlight;             specific fruit maturity; and also the prevailing ecological             and cultural conditions under which the fruit was grown.         -   Ground color.—Yellow, approximately (RHS Yellow Group 10 B).             The ground color of the fruit can vary significantly based             upon the maturity of the fruit when this measurement is             taken.         -   Fruit stem.—Size. — Medium in length, approximately 6.0 to             about 9.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 to             about 3.0 millimeters. Color. — Pale yellow-green,             approximately (RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 C).         -   Fruit flesh.—Ripening. — Considered even. Texture. — Firm,             juicy and dense. The fruit flesh is considered firm, yet             non-melting. Fibers. — Present but not prominent. Aroma. —             Slight. Eating Quality. — Considered very good. Flavor. —             Considered very sweet, and having moderate acidity. The             flavor is considered to be both pleasant, and balanced.             Juice Production. — Moderate. Brix. — About 14.0 to 16.0             degrees. This characteristic varies slightly with the number             of fruit per tree; the maturity of the fruit when harvested;             the prevailing cultural practices; and the surrounding             ambient climatic conditions. Flesh Color. — It is considered             to be a yellow-white, approximately (RHS Yellow Group 10 A). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Considered a freestone.         -   Size.—It is generally considered to be medium-large for the             variety. The stone size varies significantly depending upon             the tree vigor; the crop load; and the prevailing growing             and cultural conditions under which the tree was grown.         -   Length.—Average, about 33.0 to about 36.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Average, about 28.0 to about 32.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Average, about 18.0 to about 20.0 millimeters.         -   Form.—Roughly ovoid.         -   Stone base.—Shape — The stone is considered shortly             attenuate.         -   Apex.—Shape — The stone exhibits a slight to prominently             acute apex. Stone surface. — Surface Texture — Considered             irregularly furrowed toward the apex. Further, additional             pitting appears to exist in the mid-portion of the stone             (laterally), and is more common toward the base. Ridges. —             Ridging is generally more prominent, and is usually oriented             parallel, and laterally relative to the ventral and dorsal             margins. Ventral Edge. — The ventral edge is generally             considered troughed with three substantial grooves that             converge apically. Dorsal Edge. — Shape — Generally             considered even. The folds of the surface ridges appearing             on the external margins often end gently along the suture.         -   Stone color.—The color of a mature, dry stone is generally             considered a medium orange, approximately (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 165 B).         -   Tendency to split.—Splitting has rarely been noted.         -   Kernel.—Length. — Approximately 17.0-19.0 millimeters.             Width. — Approximately 12.0-14.0 millimeters. Thickness. —             4.0-5.0 millimeters. Size. — The kernel is considered medium             in size. Further the kernel is gelatinous and immature when             the fruit is fully mature, and ready for harvesting and             shipment. Form. — Considered generally ovoid. Pellicle. —             Slightly pubescent. Color. — A dark tan (RHS Greyed-Orange             Group 165 B).         -   Use.—The present variety ‘Burpeachthirtytwo’ is considered             to be a peach tree having a mid-late season of maturity, and             which further produces fruit which are considered to be             firm, attractively colored, and which are useful for both             local and long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit of the present             variety has stored well for periods of up to 30 days after             harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new peach tree             variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or skin damage             after being subjected to normal harvesting and packing             procedures.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not             been intentionally tested to expose or detect any             susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant, fruit             diseases, insect, frost, winter injury or other             environmental factors.

Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the described characteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, it should be understood that variations of the usual magnitude, and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, nutrition, pruning, pest control, frost, climatic variables and changes in horticultural management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety of peach tree, what we claim is new, and desire to secure by plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored white fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 3 to August 9 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 